This course is designed to give students an introduction to American political foundation & political institutions, actors, and processes but with an added comparative perspective with other countries. The students will not only be expected to understand these topics but also be able to critically evaluate them.
- Understand the background and historical context that shapes the American political system.
- Gain a broad understanding of the institutions, actors, participants, and processes of politics and government in America.
- Understand how government, politics, and policy impact your daily life.
- Understand the basic structure and operations of GA state government
- Understand how the American governmental system is similar to and different from other structures around the world.
- Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of principal contemporary global challenges in the field of international affairs
There is no required textbook for this course. However, there are mandatory readings that will be posted to Canvas. All readings are subject to change but students will be notified in advance. Unless otherwise noted, all readings, audio files, or videos are mandatory.
A = 100-90; B = 89-80; C = 79-70; D = 69-60; F = 59 and below. Mid-term grades or progress reports will be listed as S = Satisfactory, meaning 70 and above, or U = Unsatisfactory, indicating a grade below 70. If you are taking the class Pass/Fail, then the same mid-term grade standard will also be applied for a final grade of “S” = Satisfactory as well.
This is an online course and attendance is not recorded. However, completion of the syllabus quiz is the same as verification of participation. Completion of all lectures/reading/assignments prior to the exams is essential to success in this course.
*Excused Absence policy – This course will follow the University’s policy for excused absences. Absences for medical or personal emergencies will be excused upon verification by the Office of Student Life. You can find an outline of the policy here http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/policies/student-absence-regulations/ (Links to an external site.) This would apply to illness as well as personal emergencies. Please review this page if you are not familiar with it. In addition, all institute approved absences will honored, which would include university sanctioned function, athletics, etc. when accompanied by the appropriate documentation. Absences resulting from oversleeping, alarms not going off, computer crashes, drink or food specials, lost wallets, lost purses, or dogs eating papers, books, flash drives, etc. will not be considered approved absences.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
By attending Georgia Tech you have all committed to upholding the ideals of honor and integrity as well as refusing to betray this trust that has been bestowed upon you as a member of our academic community (http://w (Links to an external site.)ww.policylibrary.gatech.edu/student-affairs/academic-honor-code (Links to an external site.) or http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/rules/18/). (Links to an external site.)Any student who is suspected of violations of this honor code including but not limited to cheating or plagiarizing on a quiz, exam, or assignment will be automatically reported to the Office of Student Integrity. This office will investigate the incident as well as recommend the penalties for the violations.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
· How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
· Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
· Intercultural Competence
· Perspective-Taking
· Persuasion
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Citizenship area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I prepare for my responsibilities as an engaged citizen?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Georgia.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Critical Thinking
- Intercultural Competence
- Persuasion